by Mya O'Malley
Pulling up to the diner, Annie sighed as she shut he car off. It was an unusually warm day for this time of year, so Annie unbuttoned her coat and headed inside the diner to find her friend. Scanning the diner, Annie didn’t see Sam, so she told the hostess that she would just wait for her friend at the table near the countertop.
Checking her watch, Annie glanced around the diner. There was a large, balding man who appeared to be a biker sitting with an attractive brunette. Why did she look so familiar? Annie couldn’t place the woman. She spotted Sam in the parking lot, getting out of her car. Sam was wearing sweats and her favorite old sneakers. Thinking that she heard whispering behind her, Annie spun around to spot the biker and brunette looking right at her, the brunette nodding and whispering in the man’s ear.
Now she knew why that woman seemed so familiar. It was that woman from the vet! Yes, it was Lori, the one causing Shane all that trouble. Lori’s eyes shot daggers at her from the booth nearby. Now she’s got a problem with me? Annie thought. I don’t even know the woman! Thinking back to the vet’s office, it became clear that Lori probably thought she was dating Shane. Well…this was becoming awkward. Should she say something? What would she even say to Lori? If she would just stop staring at her!
“Hey, there.” Sam slid into the booth, blocking the view of the biker and brunette.
“Hey.”
“What’s the matter?” Sensing Annie was looking past her, Sam glanced around and stared right at Lori and her date.
“What’s with them?” She nodded over her shoulder, making a sour face.
“Shh! Don’t say anything,” Annie whispered.
“Okay…what gives?”
“Do not turn around, that woman behind you is Shane’s ex, well, he went on a few dates with her and she’s…she’s crazy.” Annie kept her voice low.
“Oh. So how does she know you?” Sam appeared confused.
“It’s a long story…remember I told you about the woman at the vet that came in with Shane?”
“Yes, I do. That’s her? But then it had to be serious.”
“It wasn’t, but as I said, it’s a long story, for another time.”
Sam didn’t seem convinced. “If you say so, but, honey, something’s not adding up here.”
“I’ll explain later. Now, order something, I’m hungry.”
Annie ordered an omelet with cheese and spinach. Samantha decided on pancakes and sausage. Finishing up her first cup of coffee, Annie signaled the waitress for a refill.
“So let me get this straight, you got me out of bed to talk, but now we can’t talk because some biker guy and his girlfriend are sitting a few tables away from us.”
“Shh! Sam, come on. They’re going to hear you!” Annie pleaded with her friend.
Lori stood and kept her focus on Annie. She walked past the table and leaned over.
“How does it feel to go out with a guy who takes you on a few dates and then dumps you? Oh, you’ll find out.”
Annie’s jaw dropped open. She sat there, speechless. Sam was furious, her eyes wide. “And who would you be?”
“His ex-girlfriend. Everything was great until she came along.”
“What? That’s not true! I wasn’t dating him then and you guys only went out a few times, he barely knows you!” Annie was seeing red.
“That’s the story he told you? Oh, how pathetic. Watch it, that’s all I’m saying.”
Tossing her hair behind her, Lori walked back to the biker guy, who seemed oblivious to the conversation. It didn’t appear to bother him that his date was not over Shane. Odd.
“Yeah, get a life!” Sam never could resist getting the last word in. Annie watched in silence as Lori threw her bag down on the table, slamming it, while paying for the check. The puppy dog biker followed her out the door.
“I knew she was crazy, but I had no idea!” Annie shook her head in dismay.
“What just happened there? That was not normal!”
“Tell me about it. Now she’s got a problem with me.”
“Honey, are you seeing the whole picture here? Why is that woman so obsessed with Shane? Maybe they were more serious than he’s letting on.”
“I don’t know, but so what if they were? It’s obviously over. Forget about it, already. I want to tell you about my date with Shane.”
“Okay, but please, just be careful. Promise me that.” Sam’s voice was filled with concern.
“Promise. Now listen to me, last night was spectacular…”
After sharing all of the details about her date last night, Annie realized Lori’s unfavorable comments had gotten to her; somehow it took away her good mood and put a damper on her entire morning.
As Annie was saying goodbye to Sam, her cell beeped. It was a text from Shane.
Good morning, beautiful.
Annie decided to hold off on returning the text. She would give him a call when she got home in a few minutes. Determined not to let this other woman ruin the way she felt about her date with Shane, she forced her thoughts elsewhere. Tonight she had plans with Ellen, an old friend from college. It had been months since they had gotten together and Annie was looking forward to the night. Forcing other thoughts into her head did not work. She wouldn’t feel better about what happened until she spoke with Shane and told him about her encounter with Lori.
Her cell rang just as she was pulling into the driveway. Glancing down to see who it was, she picked up when she saw Aaron’s name appear on the screen.
“Aaron! We need to talk!”
“Hey, Annie.” Annie could immediately sense that something was wrong.
“What’s wrong?”
“Ah, it’s nothing. Melanie broke it off, that’s all.”
“What?” She had been so wrapped up in her own problems she didn’t see this coming. “How? I mean, she didn’t even tell me!” Annie made a mental note to call her friend today.
“She says that I’m not over Suzie.” Annie couldn’t believe her ears. Not over Suzie? Of course he was over Suzie.
“Don’t worry, Aaron. I’ll call her later, I’ll explain the whole Suzie thing.”
“No. Don’t. It’s all my fault. You see, Suzie’s been calling, texting me when we’re out.”
“Well, you’re ignoring her calls, right?”
“Yes, of course. But, I have called her back and we have seen each other once or twice and, well, I’m confused, Annie.”
“Aaron, I don’t understand. I thought that you had decided to let it go. I didn’t think that you had feelings for her anymore.”
“I don’t know what to do. Suzie’s been different. I think she’s changed.”
“Leopards don’t change their spots. How many times do I have to tell you, Aaron? She’s trouble, stay away from her, she doesn’t deserve you!”
“Well that’s the thing, Annie. Melanie is awesome, she’s sweet, caring, and beautiful inside and out.”
“I agree. So what’s the problem?” Truthfully, Annie was having a hard time understanding Aaron’s reasoning, it was starting to get on her nerves.
“She’s smart. She senses that I’m not completely over Suzie, and she’s right.”
“Whoa. Hold on, there. Aaron, are you even listening to yourself? Remember what you said, you want the whole thing. Marriage, kids, soccer games. ” She almost screamed into her cell. She wanted to smack some sense into her friend. Not only did Suzie cheat on him once, but Aaron had confessed that it had happened earlier as well, right after they had first gotten married. He had given her another chance then and look what had happened.
“Annie. I have to do this my own way, in my own time. I owe it myself and Melanie.”
“Aaron, I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I don’t, but I think that will come with time. How about you, what was it you wanted to talk about?”
Annie could scarcely remember. “It doesn’t matter. It can wait. I want to see you.” Remembering that she had plans for tonight, she asked Aaron what
he was doing the following evening.
“I have plans, with you.”
He was such as charmer when he wanted to be. “Good. We’ll have dinner.” The wheels were already spinning in Annie’s head. She knew just what he needed and whom he should meet.
“It’s a date. I’ll pick you up at six?”
“Great. See you then. And Aaron?”
“Yes?”
“Don’t do anything stupid before then.”
“I’ll try not to.” He laughed out loud.
* * * *
She rushed into the house, eager to call Shane. Not wanting to add problems to their new relationship, Annie planned on just relaying the facts about what had happened at the diner. She wouldn’t let her emotions get involved.
Shane picked up after a few rings and Annie figured she should just get to the point as soon as possible. “Hey, Shane. Good morning.”
“Hey! Did you get my text?”
“Yes, thanks. I just wanted to call you, though. I was at the diner having breakfast and guess who I ran into?”
Shane seemed at a loss for words. “I have no idea.”
“Your friend, that woman, Lori.”
“Oh no. Did she even know who you were?”
“She sure did. She accused me of being the reason the two of you broke up.”
“That’s ridiculous. We didn’t break up, I barely know her, we only went out a few times!” Shane exclaimed.
Annie took a deep breath. “Shane, listen, I don’t care, I don’t. Whatever happened in your past, I only ask that you’re honest with me.”
“I am being honest with you, Annie. Why wouldn’t I be? That woman is out of her mind!”
“She warned me that you would do the same thing to me.” Annie spoke quietly.
Shane’s exasperation was not lost on Annie. “You told me that you believed me. I’m sorry you had to go through that, I am. But if you and I are going to see each other, you’re going to have to decide whether you can trust me or not.”
Trust had been a burning issue with Annie ever since her divorce. “I can.” Not sure if she was being honest with herself, she knew Shane didn’t deserve her mistrust. She would do her best to believe in him.
“I’m sorry if I upset you, it’s just that I thought you should know.” Annie offered.
“I’m not upset with you, sweetheart, it’s her. It’s Lori.”
“I know. I just feel bad for upsetting you. I had a great time last night.”
“So did I. When can I see you again?”
“How does Tuesday sound?”
“Great. I’ll give you a call tonight and we’ll figure out something to do. Think about what you would like to do, anything is fine with me, as long as I get to see you again.”
“I’ll talk to you soon.” Annie said, shyly, twirling her hair through her fingers.
“Miss you already.”
Her heart leaped in her throat. “Me too.”
* * * *
Beth and Jerry Morgan were more than happy to have Annie and her new friend, Aaron over. Annie was delighted to have her parents meet Aaron, and secretly hoped that they would work their charms on him. If they were in any kind of mood like they were the last time she visited, she was in luck.
Not being able to resist, Annie had called her friend, Melanie and listened to her side of the story. Annie felt bad, knowing it couldn’t be easy, but she also asked her friend not to give up so quickly on Aaron. Melanie dug her feet in, claiming it was over. Annie hoped she was wrong.
In the eyes of Annie’s parents, Annie could tell they found Aaron to be irresistible. They doted on him like he was their long lost son. Aaron, smiling and chattering away, ate up the attention. After the preliminary talk was over, coffee and blueberry pie was served for dessert and Beth Morgan was ready for action.
“Tell me, Aaron. What’s your story? Why aren’t you and my beautiful daughter an item? You seem perfect for each other.”
Annie’s face flushed as she threw a dishtowel at her mom. “Mom! Stop it, you’re embarrassing him.”
Aaron remained composed, clearing his throat. “Your daughter is beautiful. We’re friends, though. We found our relationship works best this way.”
Annie’s mom was at a loss for words. A close friendship with a person of the opposite sex seemed unfathomable to her. Jerry stepped forward with his coffee mug.
“Now, now. Maybe he has a woman. Tell us about her, Aaron.”
“Well, I don’t really have anybody. I mean, I did…but I blew it.”
Aaron proceeded to tell Annie’s parents all about the drama with Suzie, how she left him for another man, then wanted him back. He then told Beth and Jerry about Melanie.
“It seems simple as the day is long, Aaron.” Jerry started. “Melanie is the one you’re meant to be with.”
“But, how do you know?”
“Oh, you know all right.” Beth chimed in and the tale unfolded about two high school sweethearts meeting and love at first sight. When the story was over, Aaron was still skeptical.
“You see, that’s just it. For Suzie and I it was love at first sight.” Aaron shared, leaning forward.
“Yes, that’s what you thought at the time. You were young, inexperienced. Did it last?”
“No, but…”
“No buts, it didn’t and now you’re older and wiser. Does Melanie make you feel good, like a teenager again? Are you attracted to her like no one else has made you feel in a long time?” Beth inquired.
“Yes, but…”
“No buts, didn’t you think it was strange to meet our Annie here on a dating site, of all things, only to find you’re now the best of friends?” Jerry chimed in, heading somewhere with his speech.
“Well, now that you mention it, it is a bit strange…” Aaron surveyed Annie as if she were a magical witch casting a secret spell on him.
“It’s fate. You met our Annie here so that she could introduce you to the love of your life, that’s why, it’s destined!” Jerry jumped from his seat at the table, clasping his hands together.
Aaron glanced around the room, from one face to the next. He appeared as if he had an epiphany of sorts, shaking his head his smile grew.
“Of course, it does make sense, why didn’t I think of this before? I knew I met you for a reason!” He gazed at Annie.
Mumbling under her breath, Annie shook her head. “It couldn’t just be that we enjoy each other’s company, I suppose.”
“What was that?” Aaron asked, looking at Annie.
“Nothing.” Annie grumbled, but felt a smile creep up on her face.
It was getting late and time to head home. Aaron thanked Beth and Jerry for a wonderful evening. Annie’s parents stood at the door watching them leave, their arms around each other. Annie shook her head, a secret smile forming on her lips. She wasn’t sure if her mom and dad were just putting on an act for Aaron’s sake or if they were just so hopelessly in love. Why hadn’t she noticed this before?
Later on, while he was driving Annie home, he stared at Annie through new eyes. “You knew exactly what you were doing, bringing me to your parents’ house tonight, didn’t you?”
“Exactly.” She grabbed his hand and they rode in silence.
* * * *
Falling asleep that night, Annie replayed the conversation in her head from the phone call with Shane about a half an hour earlier. He had called her tonight and texted her good morning. In her mind, it was obvious that Shane was the furthest thing from a player. He was one of the good guys and therefore, it made her a lucky girl. She was looking forward to seeing him again.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Four Weeks Later
“Do you have plans for tonight? I was thinking that we could see a movie.” Shane offered.
“Oh, sorry, Sam and I have plans for dinner tonight.”
“No problem. How about we make it for tomorrow night?”
“Sounds great, Shane.”
You pick the movie. A
nytime after six-thirty is okay with me. I’m looking forward to it.”
“Me too. I’ll call you tonight?”
“I would love that. Talk to you later, enjoy the rest of your day.”
“Hey, Annie?” His voice was soft, smooth.
“Yes?”
“I miss you.”
Her heart melted, just hearing those three magical words.“ I miss you, too.”
He didn’t mind that she had plans, he was just looking forward to seeing her again and now he would have to wait an entire day. An entire day with too much time on his hands, thinking about touching her again, kissing her again. His mind wandered to her, to her smell, her taste, the way she felt pressed up close against him.
They had decided to date each other exclusively at this point and give their relationship a real chance. Shane and Annie had been out to dinner several times, taken walks in the park, and enjoyed getting to know each other. They had even gone out to dinner with Jennifer and her husband, Tom. Jennifer gave Shane the thumbs up on Annie; she had liked her a lot. Things couldn’t be better.
Should he be jealous of this Aaron guy? Annie had sworn they were just friends, but hadn’t he heard that before? Stop it, you’ve got to learn to trust again, he scolded himself. Hadn’t he spent countless hours thinking about his past - the disappointment, the sadness? He wouldn’t go there again, besides, where had it gotten him in life? A string of casual dates, no real commitment? Yes, he was ready to trust again. What was it that his father always used to say to him? You should trust someone until they give you a reason not to?